2022 Vauxhall Combo 2000 Sportive TD 1.5L Diesel · CV72 RKA

The defining mechanical concern in this Vauxhall Combo's recorded DVSA history is a single but serious failure event recorded just one day before its pass, where all four tyres were found to have tread depth below the legal 1.6mm limit, categorised as Dangerous defects, alongside a Major advisory for a significantly and obviously worn nearside front brake disc. The subsequent pass on the following day, on 30 September 2025, carries no recorded defects, indicating that the failed items were rectified immediately prior to that re-test. While a clean pass is now on the record, the severity and breadth of those Dangerous tyre defects, affecting every wheel position, points to a vehicle that was operating with critically compromised grip and braking performance right up to the point of inspection. For a prospective buyer, the immediate priority is verifying the date code, brand, and specification of the tyres currently fitted; the presence of fresh tyres is not itself problematic, but the fact that all four wore down to illegal levels simultaneously raises questions about axle load distribution, alignment, or whether the vehicle had been used extensively on a cycle prior to inspection. With 30,916 miles recorded over four years, this Combo has covered roughly 7,729 miles annually, a figure consistent with light commercial or mixed-use duties typical for the model. There are no significant gaps in the MOT testing record and mileage progression appears steady rather than concentrated in short bursts. At this relatively modest accumulation rate, wear on major drivetrain components such as the diesel engine, turbocharger, dual-mass flywheel, and clutch assembly would generally be expected to be light, though the brake disc finding on the front axle suggests that even at this mileage, friction surfaces can reach a state requiring replacement, particularly under frequent urban stop-start duty cycles. The absence of any advisories on the record means there is no direct evidence of recurring wear items such as suspension bushes, brake pipes, or corroding underbody components, but this should not be interpreted as a clean bill of mechanical health beyond what the MOT covers, which does not extend to many internal drivetrain elements. Given the specific flagged items, a test drive should focus heavily on brake feel and pedal response. Following a brake disc replacement, the pedal should feel firm and progressive without any pulsation or judder under sustained braking from higher speeds, as warped or unevenly bedded discs will transmit vibration directly through the steering wheel and pedal. Listen for any grinding, squealing, or binding at low speed, particularly when releasing the pedal at junctions, which can indicate a sticking caliper or improperly seated pads. On the new tyres, cornering grip should be assessed progressively; any persistent pulling to one side under steady acceleration or braking on a level road suggests incorrect wheel alignment, which would have accelerated the previous set's uneven wear pattern. Inspect all four tyres for uniform tread depth across the width and for any signs of uneven shoulder wear or feathering, which would point to suspension geometry issues. A closer inspection should also be carried out with the vehicle raised or viewed from underneath, looking for any signs of fluid leakage from the diesel engine, gearbox, or steering rack, as well as any surface corrosion on the subframe, brake lines, and suspension arms, none of which were flagged on the MOT but are common wear points on light commercial vehicles of this age. The exhaust system should be checked for blue smoke on startup, indicative of worn turbo seals or piston ring wear, and for any excessive soot at the tailpipe suggesting rich running or a failing DPF. Given the single major brake defect combined with four dangerous tyre failures, the test drive and underbody check are particularly warranted to confirm that the remedial work was thorough and that no underlying cause such as seized handbrake mechanism, dragging rear caliper, or misaligned tracking is silently accelerating wear on the replacement components.